Chondromalacia Patella: A Pain in the Knee

Chondromalacia patella is also known as the softening of the cartilage of your knee cap or anterior knee pain. It is caused by many factors including: abnormal pressure across the joint surface or hormonal changes in your body.

It is thought that adolescents and with chondromalacia patella overuse, injury, or put too much force on the knee. This condition is more common in females. Adolescents tend to have a slight problem with knee cap position. Older cases of chondromalacia patella are thought to be a sign of arthritis of the knee. Previous dislocations, fractures, or other injuries to the kneecap may cause chondromalacia as well.

The pain associated with chondromalacia patella is usually located over the front of the knee and is often felt as a deep aching pain. It can be associated with swelling and tends to hurt more when the knee is bent for long periods of time such as sitting in a car. Also, a grinding sensation can sometimes be felt or heard in the kneecap with this condition. Activities that make the pain worse include: squatting, kneeling, and stair climbing. Pushing back on the kneecap will usually cause pain. The pain is usually relieved with pain medications and rest.

Chondromalacia patella is usually determined by genetics or how the bones are shaped. It is the most common reason for pain in the front of the knee.

The treatment of chondromalacia patella consists of cyrotherapy (ice, cold therapy), over the counter medications such as: Motrin, Aleve, or Tylenol, the use of glucosamine sulfate, heat, or bracing.

When treating with glucosamine sulfate, it's recommended to use for at least two months in order for it to have its full effect on the joints. Heat isn't as great as ice for treating the pain, but it does have some benefits by combating stiffness. Bracing is used to stabilize and provide pain relief by stimulating some of the nerve fibers which make you feel that your joint is stable and secure. Bracing also helps to line up the patella so that it 'tracks' more centrally which causes less pain.

Avoiding activities that cause pain is also recommended. Do not keep knees bent for long periods of time, do not kneel on your knees or walk up and down stairs or hills unnecessarily. You should also try to sleep with your legs straight out versus bent or curled up.

With proper treatment and care surgery is rarely needed and most people recover from chondromalacia patella successfully.

Oh My Aching Kneecap!
Patellofemoral Pain